OCTOBER 6, 2021 READINGS... Matthew 13:10-23 & Luke 8:9-18 & Mark 4:21-29 &
Matthew 13:24-30 & Mark 4:30-34 & Matthew 13:31-52 & Mark 4:35-41 & Matthew 8:23-27 & Luke 8:22-25
I know that you are noticing that three of the Gospel writers are sharing the same events in the ministry of Jesus. These teachings and miracles of Jesus are given to affirm who He is. Our reading today begins with the explanation of the parable of the sower. As we said yesterday there are things in Jesus’ parable that are the same. The sower, who is the Holy Spirit. The seed, which is the Word of God. The variable is the type of soil that the seed lands on. The first is the hard path…the seed cannot germinate, and the birds come and eat it before it can make a difference. Jesus tells us this represents those who hear the word, but before they can believe it is taken from them…sadly they are lost. The second soil is rocky, and unable for the seed to put down secure roots. This represents those who hear the word, receive it, but they don’t last long…they fade and die spiritually. The third type of soil is infested with weeds and thorns. The seed hits the grown, germinates, starts to grow, but is soon choked out by the weeds. This represents those who receive the word of God, but soon become so busy with life that they set aside what they have received…sadly they have let the world consume their lives rather than the word of God. The final soil is the fertile soil. When the seed lands here it is allowed to grow and produce a great amount of fruit. This represents the life that receives the Word of God, and it is nurtured and grown to produce the works of God in the life of the believer.
Jesus gives several more illustrations of how the word of God works in the lives of people who hear it. He talks about the fact that light is meant to illumine. It makes no sense to light a torch, and then hide it under a bushel. Jesus speaks of the effect of a little yeast, in sharing the effect of His parables. Finally, the Lord speaks of the tremendous value of the things of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The last thing we read today is a demonstration of the power of the Lord Jesus. He and His disciples are on the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm comes us and the disciples are in fear that their boat will sink. Jesus tells them to have faith. For He was with them…what could happen to them? The Lord speaks to the storm and it becomes calm. The disciples marvel and say, “Who is this man? That even the winds and waves obey Him?” That is an important question that I hope you have the answer to in your life…” Who is this Man?”
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… Mark 5:1-20 & Matthew 8:2834 & Luke 8:26-39 & Mark 5:21-43 & Matthew 9:18-26 & Luke 8:40-56